Best Tips for Buying Camisoles

Camisoles are an essential wardrobe staple that should have a place in every wardrobe. Camisoles can be used for everyday clothing, formal clothing and even nightwear or pyjamas. Historically, the world camisole was once used to describe an over shirt worn by men and women over everyday outfits. Today, “camisole” is a catch-all term used to describe under-shirts which range in style, material and price. Modern camisoles have multiple uses. They can be used for modesty, such as under shirts with sheer material that would otherwise show skin or undergarments. They can be used for aesthetics, such as ensembles with layered garments or with the addition of accents like lace, beading, jewelled accents, etc. They can also be used to add additional warmth, which is especially important in colder climates.

Many people believe the impression that there is only one type of camisole—a sleeveless tank top, usually with spaghetti straps, with plain or no details at all. But there are actually different types of camisoles and different aesthetic and practical features that can be used to suit just about any wardrobe or necessity. The following are some helpful and useful tips for buying camisoles, whether you are buying them for everyday use, a formal occasion, or to supplement your nightwear wardrobe.

Tip: Know what type of camisole you need

Why are you buying a camisole? When you know what type of camisole you need, it will make it much easier to narrow down the selection before you make a purchase. When you consider the type of camisole you might need, think about the following factors:

What clothing you will be wearing over the camisole (e.g. a sleeveless dress, a cardigan, a short-sleeved tank top with a plunging neckline, etc).

Why you need the camisole (ex: sheer shirt or dress fabric, for decoration/aesthetics, for warmth, etc).

What colour of clothing you will be wearing over the camisole (dark colours, light colours, sheer fabric/not sheer fabric, etc?).

For example: If you are buying the camisole to wear underneath a light pink summer tank-top that is slightly sheer, you should look for a camisole with straps that will not show underneath the tank top (such as spaghetti-style straps) and one with a colour that will not contrast too sharply with the tank top. Tip: Look for camisoles that will last—even if they cost a little extra.

There are plenty of camisoles to choose from if you are on a budget. However, resist the temptation to buy camisoles that are not only low in price but low in quality as well. Camisoles of a poor quality will need to be replaced more often than a camisole of better quality that is only a few dollars extra, and they often offer less warmth, are made with more sheer fabric, and tear or rip easily. For the best deals, look for quality camisoles on sale or on clearance – you can often find good camisoles on sale during the fall and winter seasons.